DRIVERS face more upheaval on one of Huddersfield's busiest main roads.

Less than two years after the completion of a major project, more workings are scheduled for Leeds Road at Bradley.

They will take about 18 weeks.

Highways bosses today defended the £1m project, which is due to start next Tuesday.

Motorists have been told that temporary traffic lights will be in operation at peak times.

The timing of the latest works left drivers fuming.

They have recently faced hold-ups because of changes on Leeds Road where discount chain Poundstretcher is due to open its new headquarters this summer.

A Kirklees Council spokeswoman said: "The road and bridge repairs on the A62 Leeds Road at Bradley are essential.

"The road and pavements are to be resurfaced, to bring the Bradley section of the A62 between Whitacre Street and Oak Road up to the standard of the sections already completed on either side.

"In addition, crash barriers on the railway bridge will be upgraded to improve safety near the railway line.

"Also, the bridge will be re-waterproofed."

Drivers are being urged to avoid disruption by using Bradford Road and Bradley Road instead.

The work has been scheduled to follow the replacement of water, gas and electricity mains and the building of the Trident Business Park, said the spokesman.

Highways officials said most of the temporary traffic light restrictions would take place during the school holidays, when the roads were usually quieter.

The council spokeswoman added: "Some resurfacing will be carried out at evenings and weekends, to speed up the end of the work and cause less disruption to drivers."

Contractors Balfour Beatty are being given a cash incentive to complete the work quickly.